The Miami Heat made a big splash this off-season when they acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo in a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks. Miami has been a true play-in contender over the last few years. The Heat did not qualify for the playoffs when they lost to the Charlotte Hornets in the play-in tournament. Miami has decided to make major adjustments to the roster.
MIAMI, FLORIDA – AUGUST 25: Klay Thompson #11 of the Miami Heat speaks to the media during an introductory press conference at Kaseya Center on August 25, 2026 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Not only did they trade for Giannis this off-season, but they also decided to sign Klay Thompson. He was let go by the Dallas Mavericks in the off-season. Thompson may not be the player he once was. During the 2025-2026 NBA season with Dallas, he averaged 11.7 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG, and 0.5 SPG in 69 games last season with Dallas.
NBA Analyst Believes Miami Heat Signing Klay Thompson is an Underrated Move
Miami, FL – AUGUST 25 : Klay Thompson poses for a photo after the Miami Heat host a press conference to announce the trade for Klay Thompson on August 25, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
Steve Jones of Yahoo.com wrote about some of the signings this off-season that were underrated. He thinks that the Heat bringing Thompson on board was an underrated move for the franchise. Jones said,
“This is less about Klay Thompson returning to All-Star form, less about Klay being Ray Allen to Miami 2.0, and more about the fit between the human, the player and the franchise. It’s clear Thompson wants to compete at a high level, and the Heat are always going to work to compete at a high level, especially after cashing in their chips to get Giannis Antetokounmpo. Erik Spoelstra has a knack for understanding his roster, knowing where his team needs to go and getting the most out of his roster. It feels like a natural meeting of the minds.
It’s not hard to imagine how Thompson, one of the greatest 3-point shooters of all time, will help Miami when it comes to spacing. But Thompson is not just a great shooter, he’s a movement shooter and a willing shooter. For the Heat, that can open up the playbook. Giannis will always draw the attention of a defense, but Thompson gives them someone who can be used in different actions as a threat when he’s off the board. If you don’t believe me, wait until the first time Klay makes four-plus 3s in Miami and listen to the crowd.
Many will point to the defensive end of the floor, point to his age and point at me. What I will say in response is, with Andrew Wiggins, Bam Adebayo and Giannis, there is a good amount of size and length that can surround Thompson on defense. Miami and Thompson needed each other, and that should pop throughout the season.”
Thompson is going to be relied upon to be the primary shooter in this offense this season. The Heat finished with a 43-39 record last season and finished in 10th in the Eastern Conference.
That conference is going to be loaded this season. Thompson is 36 years old and he may noy have much left in the tank. Many think that Miami could be a contender this season, but they may not even be a Top 4 team in their own conference. Thompson has won titles before and maybe he can lead the Heat to another banner if things go well for them.
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